Columbia, SC: One of The Best Places to Retire on Social Security Alone

The average Social Security benefit for retired workers was $1,294 a month at the end of 2013. A couple who each brought in this amount would have $31,056 in annual Social Security benefits. How far that amount goes largely depends on where you live. U.S. News Money analyzed Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data to determine that a couple age 65 and older could cover their basic expenses, including typical costs for housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care, with their Social Security income in these cities.

#4 Columbia, South Carolina

South Carolina residents age 60 and older who are no longer working are eligible for free tuition at the University of South Carolina. Seniors can also get discount tickets to the Riverbanks Zoo and Columbia Museum of Art. Housing remains affordable, costing retirees $1,074 monthly with a mortgage, $367 with a paid-off house or $801 in monthly rent.